Table of Contents

DEPRESSION TREATMENT

What to Know About Cipralex

(Escitalopram)
An SSRI Used to Treat Depression
By Lindsey Toler Updated on April 10, 2023
Print
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Verywell / Laura Porter

Table of Contents
Uses

Before Taking Cipralex

Dosage

Side ETects

What is the most important information I should know

about Cipralex (escitalopram)?
You should not take Cipralex if you take MAOIs, medications for
heart rhythm problems, or other drugs that aTect heart
rhythm.

You should not stop taking your medication without talking to

your doctor Wrst since abruptly halting your medication can
cause withdrawal symptoms.

Cipralex is the brand name for escitalopram in the United Kingdom.

This drug is available in tablet and liquid form. Cipralex belongs to a
group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). [1]
SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Advertisement
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can help stabilizes your mood. [2]
SSRIs like Cipralex prevent (or "inhibit") serotonin from being reabsorbed
by your nerve cells (a process known as "reuptake"). This keeps serotonin
levels more available for longer periods of time in the synapse.

While current research does not suggest that chemical imbalances are the
cause of depression, [3] balancing serotonin levels with SSRIs such as
Cipralex may play a role in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In the United States, escitalopram is available under the brand name

Lexapro. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD).

This article discusses the uses of Cipralex as well as potential side eTects.
It also covers dosage information and precautions you should understand
before taking this medication.

Cipralex Uses
Cipralex is used to treat a form of depression called major depressive
disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Research shows LikeCard
the active ingredient in Cipralex, escitalopram, is also eTective for a
Advertisement
variety of other conditions, including:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Panic disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

[1]
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

It can take a couple of weeks to feel better once you start taking Cipralex,
and you may not experience the full beneWts of the medication until
you've been following a recommended treatment plan for several months.

How Long Does Cipralex Take to Work for Anxiety?

After starting escitalopram, you may feel physical changes in one to
Advertisement
two weeks (such as improved sleep, energy, and appetite). Changes in
mood may take longer—between six and eight weeks. [4] Ads by
Send feedback
Competitive pricing
Why this ad?
with the award-winning
Before Taking Cipralex MENA broker.

Talk to your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins that
you currently take. While some drugs pose minor interaction risks, others Open account

may outright contraindicate use or prompt careful consideration as to Trading is high risk. Regulated by SCA.
whether the pros of treatment outweigh the cons in your case.
Advertisement

Precautions and Contraindications

You should not take Cipralex if you are allergic to escitalopram, take
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or take medicines for heart
rhythm problems or drugs that may aTect your heart's rhythm, such as: [5]

Antipsychotics (e.g., phenothiazine derivatives, pimozide,

haloperidol)

Certain antihistamines (e.g., hydroxyzine, mizolastine)

Certain antimicrobial agents (e.g., spardoxacin, moxidoxacin,

erythromycin IV, pentamidine, anti-malarial treatment particularly
halofantrine)

Class IA and III antiarrhythmics, which are medications that

prevent and treat abnormal heart rhythms

Tricyclic antidepressants
Advertisement

Additionally, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to
become pregnant. As with most antidepressants, you should not take
Cipralex if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless you and your doctor
have discussed the risks and beneWts involved.

Prior to starting Cipralex, it's important to tell your doctor if you have any
of the following conditions or illnesses, as they may need to take this into
consideration: [5]

Bipolar disorder (manic depression)

Diabetes Advertisement

Drug addiction or suicidal thoughts

Epilepsy

Fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, collapse, or dizziness on

standing up

Heart disease or high blood pressure

Liver or kidney disease

Low levels of sodium in your blood

Seizures

Stroke

Tendency to easily develop bleeding or bruises

Cipralex Dosage Advertisement

Cipralex comes in tablets and a liquid solution. Check your prescription

and talk to your doctor to make sure you are taking the right Cipralex dose
for you.

Cipralex should only be given to adults (ages 18 to 64) and older

adults (ages 65 years and older). Neither the tablet nor the oral drops
should be given to children and adolescents under 18 years old.

Oral Tablets Advertisement

Cipralex tablets are available in 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, and 20 mg

strengths. The following listed dosages are according to the drug
manufacturer: [5]

For adults with depression, social anxiety disorder (SAD),

generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and obsessive-
compulsive disorder (OCD)
(OCD): The recommended dose of Cipralex
tablets is 10 mg taken as one daily dose. The dose may be increased
by your doctor to a maximum of 20 mg per day.

For adults with SAD : The recommended dose of Cipralex tablets is

10 mg taken as one daily dose. Your doctor can either decrease your
dose to 5 mg per day or increase the dose to a maximum of 20 mg
per day, depending on how you respond to the medicine.

For adults with panic disorder

disorder: The starting dose of Cipralex
tablets is 5 mg as one daily dose for the Wrst week before increasing
the dose to 10 mg per day. The dose may be further increased by Advertisement

your doctor to a maximum of 20 mg per day.

For older patients (ages 65 and older)

older): The recommended
starting dose of Cipralex tablets is 5 mg taken as one daily dose. The
dose may be increased by your doctor to 10 mg per day.

Oral Drops Solution

Cipralex liquid oral solution comes in a strength of 20 mg per milliliter
(ml). The following listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer:
[6]

Advertisement
For adults with depression, SAD, GAD, and OCD
OCD: The normally
recommended dose of Cipralex is 10 mg (10 drops) taken as one
daily dose. The dose may be increased by your doctor to a maximum
of 20 mg (20 drops) per day.

For adults with SAD : The normally recommended dose of Cipralex

is 10 mg (10 drops) taken as one daily dose. Your doctor can either
decrease your dose to 5 mg (5 drops) per day or increase the dose to
a maximum of 20 mg (20 drops) per day, depending on how you
respond to the medicine.

For adults with panic disorder

disorder: The starting dose of Cipralex is 5
mg (5 drops) per day for the Wrst week before increasing the dose to
10 mg (10 drops) per day. Your doctor may increase the dose to a
maximum of 20 mg (20 drops) per day.

For older patients (ages 65 and older)

older): The recommended
starting dose of Cipralex is 5 mg (5 drops) taken as one daily dose.
The dose may be increased by your doctor to 10 mg (10 drops) per Advertisement

day.

How to Take and Store

Competitive pricing
Cipralex tablets can be taken with or without food. As with all medicines, with the award-winning
combining Cipralex tablets with alcohol is not advised. MENA broker.

When taking Cipralex oral drops solution, count the required number of
drops into your drink (water, orange juice, or apple juice), stir it briedy, Open account

and then drink all of it. Do not mix the Cipralex with other liquids and do Trading is high risk. Regulated by SCA.
not mix them with other medicinal products.
Advertisement

Follow your doctor's instructions for taking Cipralex. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medication. Do not
stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor; stopping
abruptly may cause discontinuation symptoms. [5]

Side Effects of Cipralex

Most people will only experience a few mild side eTects when taking
Cipralex. As your body adjusts to taking Cipralex, the side eTects should
go away. If you notice they are getting worse or are interfering with your
quality of life, talk to your doctor.

Common Side Effects

Like all medicines, Cipralex can cause side eTects. The most common Advertisement

(may aTect more than 1 in 10 people) side eTects are nausea and -30%
headache.

Common Cipralex side eTects (may aTect up to 1 in 10 people) include:

Abnormal dreams

Aching muscles or joints

Anxiety
Shop Designer Dresses
Blocked or runny nose Revolve

Advertisement
Decreased or increased appetite and weight gain

Dilculty sleeping

Dry mouth

Increased sweating
Advertisement
Fatigue

Fever

Gastrointestinal issues (diarrhea, constipation, vomiting)

Headache

Increased sweating

Nausea

Sexual problems (such as decreased sex drive, dilculty achieving

orgasm; in men, erectile dysfunction or problems with ejaculation)
Advertisement
Sleep problems (insomnia)

Severe Side Effects

Seek immediate help if you experience any of the following unusual
Cipralex side eTects including:

Dilculty breathing or swallowing

Flu-like achiness

Memory loss

Rash

Seizures

SigniWcant changes in mood or personality

Swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue

Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide

Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained
counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline

Database.

This overview of the use of Cipralex for mental health conditions does not
cover every possible outcome of taking this medication. If you have been
prescribed this medication by your doctor, be sure to follow the
instructions carefully. If you have additional questions, they are best
answered by a medical professional.

6 Sources

By Lindsey Toler
Lindsey Toler, MPH, is a public health professional with over a
decade of experience writing and editing health and science
communications.

See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback

Related Articles
Medication

ADHD ANXIETY ADHD DEPRESSION

What To Know About Zoloft for Anxiety How to Take, Risks, and What to Know About
Generic Adderall Differences from Other Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
(Dextroamphetamine- ADHD Meds
Amphetamine)
Medically reviewed by Steven Medically reviewed by Amy Medically reviewed by John C. Medically reviewed by John C.
Gans, MD Morin, LCSW Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE

Boys playing in a park

PHOBIAS ADHD ADHD DEPRESSION

Fluoxetine Interactions, Vyvanse for Treating What to Know About 5-Hydroxytryptophan
Side Effects, and ADHD in Children Adderall XR Potential Uses and Side
Warnings Effects
Medically reviewed by Shaheen Medically reviewed by Steven Medically reviewed by Akeem Medically reviewed by Steven
Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN Gans, MD Marsh, MD Gans, MD

ANXIETY ANXIETY PA N I C D I S O R D E R ANXIETY

Vistaril (Hydroxyzine Lexapro (Escitalopram): What to Know About Taking Magnesium for
Pamoate) for Anxiety What You Should Know Zoloft (Sertraline) Anxiety: Does It Help?
Medically reviewed by Amy Medically reviewed by Steven Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Medically reviewed by Daniel B.
Morin, LCSW Gans, MD Block, MD Block, MD

Kid coloring Paxil pills spilling out of bottle

DEPRESSION DEPRESSION DEPRESSION PA N I C D I S O R D E R

What To Know About What You Should Know Using 5-HTP to Treat Paxil (Paroxetine) - Oral
Viibryd (Vilazodone) About Prozac for Kids Depression
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Medically reviewed by Aron Medically reviewed by Steven Medically reviewed by Steven
Block, MD Janssen, MD Gans, MD Gans, MD

Daily Tips for a Healthy Mind to Your Inbox Conditions A-Z Meet Our Review Board About Us

Enter your email SIGN UP Therapy Editorial Process Diversity Pledge

Living Well Privacy Policy In the News

Relationships Advertise Terms of Service

Psychology Careers Contact

Trending Crisis Support

Follow Us Verywell Mind's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our
website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment.

Ⓒ 2024 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved

Verywell Mind is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.